Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)

This is a common fungal infection that most people get from walking barefoot in moist, public places like a swimming pool deck or locker room. Athlete’s foot can result in flaky skin, cracking, and itchiness on the soles of the foot and between the toes.

To reduce the chance of catching athlete’s foot, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you take the following precautions:

Wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when walking around pools, gyms, shower or locker areas, and hotel rooms. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot may be on the floor. Even when taking a shower in a gym, it is important to wear shower shoes or flip flops.

Keep your feet dry. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas like the one created inside hot, sweaty shoes. Wearing sandals or flip-flops helps when it’s hot outside. Shoes that are made from synthetic materials like plastic and rubber are more likely to cause sweating.